It's not about me...

I first heard this phrase years ago when I read "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. The whole premise of his book is that this life is not about me, but about using the time God has given me on this earth to glorify Him and to find my purpose. It was a great book that changed my way of thinking.

Today, however, this simple phrase has a whole different meaning for me. I'm applying it to my recent dating experiences. :) In the past, I have struggled with self-image and perfectionism...constantly worrying about how I'm being perceived and trying to morph myself into the type of person that everyone wants/needs. Needless to say, it hasn't served me well. Perhaps Shakespeare was on to something when he said "to thine own self be true."

This struggle has caught up with me over the past few weeks as I've been out on several dates. I've tried to remain true to myself and just enjoy getting to know new people. However, when I don't get a call back or get asked out on a second date, the first question that pops into my mind is: what is wrong with me? What did I do wrong? And this is where I'm reminded of a simple truth...IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. There are a million factors that could be at play here. Maybe I'm not the guy's type, or perhaps our personalities were just not a good fit. But the truth is, if I believe in God's sovereignty and His plan, then I cannot and should not seek validation from a guy I've met once on a date or base my future happiness on a relationship. "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7

My conclusion: it's still ALL ABOUT GOD and not about little old me! Does God desire that I will live a joyful and abundant life? Yep. He even wants to give me all of the desires of my heart. But only if I live a life of dependence on Him. He demands my obedience and my faith in Him. One of my favorite verses that continues to come to mind today is "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart that I will fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever (even when I'm doubting myself and still think it's about me)." Psalms 86:11-12 :)